@@landbk5015 The camera is on the hatch. I did try facing it forward, and all I got was 50 ft of the roof and a small view of the canal way off in the distance! I have a plan for a forward-facing camera....
Thanks. Yes, it is odd. Supposedly, our liking of driving on the left dates back thousands of years to before the Romans. Driving (well, riding your horse) on the left meant your sword arm was free to deal with anyone riding down the road to attack or rob you. As for boats being on the right, I don’t know.
@@stewkingjr canal boats do not 'drive' on the right hand side. You should always navigate in the deepest part of the canal which is usually in the centre. The passing rule is that you pass port to port.
No gear, no steer 😊. A little bit more water over the rudder will give you a better response. Your journey so far has been a pleasure to watch, and you are doing brilliantly 👏 😀
Enjoying your content, Nick. Although I'm a seasoned follower of narrowboat channels it's nice to see a relative novice starting out again. I like that you have given a bit more in depth background to the places you pass through. The travel and history side of it is as interesting as boaty stuff, but doesn't always get featured that much. Also, your graphics and production quality are very slick. 👍
Thanks for the comment. I find the history of the canals fascinating, so I will comment quite a bit on it. There will also be some science creeping in.... plus, a bit of nature.
@@cgku Narrowboat Pirate, Boat Time, Ben and Emily, Country House Gent (until went all motorbike), Foxes Afloat (until went all crofty), Floating Our Boat - these are the ones that come to mind. There are others I follow.
Hi Nick - I think you’re doing really well! At least you’re working things out logically rather than just being heavy handed - you’ve got a beautiful boat that’s not shallow draughted and I suspect, a large propeller on a high torque engine. You may need to adopt a “slow down - then power out” approach to the bends. The boat will respond well to a bit of power to bring it round - practice will make perfect! You also might want to try ‘paddling’ the rudder (waggle it back and forth a bit) - a rudder at full lock has the effect of blanking the thrust from the prop. She’s a lovely boat, and was very nicely prepared for sale - I was impressed by what I saw when you first took us on board! I’ve seen so many boats where owners haven’t even cleaned them, let alone prepared them like yours was! Good luck and Enjoy!
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I agree, she was very well presented for sale. A very tidy boat that had clearly been well looked after. Thanks for the advice on cornering. I think the draft is 2 ft 6 in, and I am not sure if the prop is big or not. I do have a shot of the prop when the boat was out of the water for its survey, and I will share that bit of video the next time I post here.
Was the Tunnel you talked about meaning a Tunnel of Trees? It looks as if when in summer it would be quite dark coming thru that area just from the trees. @10:09 that chap likely showed you the way to make turns. Enjoyable videos. Look forward to more when the weather is nicer. Cheers.
Hi, no, apparently (information from other comments), there was a real tunnel there, and they took the roof off. Why? I don't know. I didn't know such things happened.
If i may you are doing the usual new boater thing and moving over to much, the oik in the blue boat that passed you had loads of space on his side where the water is deeper, just dont move over so much on the shallow side, let them move! 👍 i have found the key to tight corners is knowing your pivot point, that is midway on your boat, you will learn to slow down go straight and then hard over with some power as your pivot point approaches where you want to turn 👍
Thanks for the comment. Looking back at the videos, I can see what you mean. On the plus side, I did get a real workout on the stern. Thanks for the pivot point comment. I have a lot of work to do on my steering.
In times of low water I have experienced the boat to go slower with increased throttle and faster at tick-over. This was because with higher revs, the prop lowered the depth of water under the boat to the point where it began to go aground.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us and like you say the sound of that Gardner engine is wonderful. Perhaps you could do a video of the engine and its workings.
Really great vlogs, thoroughly enjoying your commentary … akin to an F1 broadcaster but on a 4mph track 😁 As a boat hirer, soon to be boat owner, I’m 100% feeling the pain of corners etc! It’s all new but I’m sure it’ll drop into place for you! Claire.
Just binged watched your voyage,, Loved it. Thought you looked a lot healthier since the beginning, and as for your troubles turning corners, it's not your fault, there's something wrong with your rudder.
Thanks for the comment. I was very stressed the first few days, and the Oxford Canal didn't help. Once I got through the sites of the planned closures, I felt the tension ease.
Remember if you get the boat stuck on the bottom in the shallows reverse off. Putting the prop in reverse puts more water under the boat helping it to float off the bottom. Trying to power forward will only make things worse.
Just stumbled on your channel. Love it. I am Dutch and I sail a deep finkeel and deep spaderudder sailboat myself. However, some time ago, I was asked to skipper a "Zomp", classic transport boat. 20 meters long and 3 meters wide. Only propulsion by propeller at the stern. As the boat had a clockwise turning prop in forward the stern( I think your boat is similar) wanted to turn to the right. It is called "propwalk". The lower blade gets more grip than the upper and thus the stern is forced to the right. Hope this makes sense. So, a turn to the left is not much of a problem. However, turning right is the thing. With the engine in gear the stern will want to go right which to do not want. My trick: Approaching bend to the right you speed up enough to get her through and just before you need to steer, put the engine in neutral and you can easily steer her around the bend.
I have seen Dutch Barges on the Thames, and a big old wooden one used to be moored near where I lived. It had a massive keel raised on the side. Beautiful boat. Interesting about the 'propwalk', a boater I was talking to mentioned that. I assumed my boat just pulled in one direction (I had a car that did that).
@@Nicks-Wanderings OK. This barge has socalled leeboards. Used on boat with a flat bottom making them suitable for shallow waters. And haha......a car can be repaired when the steering is off. No such thing for a boat, learn to live with it. I hope the info you received will make it easier for you to cut corners or taking her around the bend in the future.
Looks like learning to drive in central London which makes driving anywhere else an absolute pleasure by comparison! Kudos to you though because 57’ of boat is a challenge. Looking forward to seeing some more adventures.
Great vlogs! I have liked and subscribed. It would be great if you could have a camera at the front of the boat too. That way you could drop in some footage while you’re explaining your maneuvering.😊
Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera on the front for the Braunston tunnel. I planned to capture more footage from the front, but the plan failed - short-lived battery. I now have a new plan for operating a front camera, so fingers crossed it works. (I think this will be plan C and I have a plan D if plan C fails. Plan B failed as the camera is too far away for Bluetooth.) So, yes, there will be more footage from the front.
Claydon locks can be a real pain in any decent wind, the open fields allow the wind to blow down towards the canal btw! At Cropredy you dont want to be to near the works site as its noisy, they prob arent doing much atm but come spring and summer they can have the scabbler going all day
Thanks for the comment. I was taken with the views from the locks, and hadn't thought about the wind. Good tip on the 'works'. I'm moored about 100 yds from them!
Power! Go sit on a bench at a marina or boat hire base, and watch the guys blasting them around doing nice tight maneuvers. I hopped aboard the first boat we hired, and the guy made it look really easy by being pretty aggressive at times. Also learned to reverse distances pretty good with some reverse, and the occasional forward blast to manage the steering.
Thanks for the comment. When I visited the marina for the handover, I watched a couple of 'pros' moving the boats and was amazed at the power they were using. At the moment, I don't feel confident enough to put that much power on.
It would be good if you could periodically turn the camera for a forward shot. You could follow one of the boats that passes you and look at what line they take round the corners and how they blip the throttle in conjunction with the rudder. Also, as many of them look to be double manned, if you ask, one of them might have an experienced crew/helm who would jump aboard for half an hour. You will be moored up for winter, and it might also be an opportunity to get a 'driving lesson ' from somebody in the mooring. Good luck
Thanks for the comment. I now have a solution for controlling the front camera from the stern and will be testing it out in future videos. Getting a control system working was surprisingly difficult. I have tried following the same line as others around corners and ran aground! And believe it or not, I have had lessons on how to steer a boat. I think the issues are I haven’t had enough practice and the Oxford is a challenge. Anyway, thanks taking the time to comment.
We were on the Oxford canal last year. Had the same problems on steering round the corners. You would turn the tiller and the boat would want to go straight ahead. Never had this problem in the past on any other canal. I put it down to the canal depth??
Thanks for the comment. I agree; I think part of the problem was the canal depth. However, the biggest problem on my boat was the clown at the end of the tiller.
Thanks for this series Nick. You dont say anything about life onboard since your intro so either you are not staying or are not going to discuss living. As its getting colder, hope everything heat related is working for you.. Look forward to future adventures..
At the moment, I am not living on board; however, I do plan to. I was originally going to buy a boat in a couple of years, but this one came along, and it felt right for me, so I jumped on it. The first videos were about moving the boat and in the 20+ hours I was on the boat, I spent less than an hour inside. It was all about the moving.
Don't worry have a beer, i bet you needed a strong drink after each of the last few days, once in your home marina its to the pub time 🍺🍷🍺🍾 well done your home.
Hi Nick, take note of boaters advising a bit more throttle, they are correct, more water passing the rudder will improve steering response. Good luck, be lucky.
Thanks. From all the excellent advice I have been given, I am going to slow down on the approach, and apply more power on the corner, steer a 50 p line, and not go beyond 45 degrees on the rudder. I was not really following any of those when I first came down the Oxford Canal.
@Nicks-Wanderings You are doing ok Nick 👍, and on straight wide wide cuts by all means go at your own pace but where it gets narrow and bendy a bit more umph will give you more control. Be lucky.
When passing an approaching boat, don't be tempted to slow down if you think you may collide. Collisions are rare as each boat is preceded by its own pressure wave which acts as a buffer.
Wow, thanks, that is a good point. I have experienced pressure waves when in the tunnel, and they are powerful. I could really feel them push the boat around.
Thanks for the suggestion. I was out yesterday and gave it some 'beans', and it makes a difference. The video of me struggling to fuel the boat in a stiff breeze will be out soon.
You found going slower around the bends a bit easier so that seems to answer your question. As for the best line to take, well I have no idea , but perhaps following an experienced boatman would give you some pointers. It probably all comes down to practice and experience.
I remember having a similar problem going around bends when I first started boating. The thing to remember is that the boat turns round somewhere near its centre. It's not like a car which steers from the front. You have to remember that the stern will swing out in the opposite way to where the front is going. The trick is to keep to the centre of the canal whenever possible and only dodge to the right if someone is coming towards you. Slow down before you reach a corner or bridge hole, if necessary being quite aggressive with the throttle in reverse (it's your only brake!). Once you need to turn, put some forward power on to give water over the rudder which will give you a faster turning rate. Because it takes some time for forward speed to build up (inertia) you will probably be at a reasonable speed when you straighten up out of the bend. And remember the rudder doesn't do anything beyond 45 degrees deflection - that will be the best turning rate. It only goes right over to help protect it when you inadvertently back into the bank, or to get the tiller out of the way when you are moored.
Thanks for the advice. A couple of commenters mentioned the 45-degree thing with the rudder, and that may be the issue. I have also had some comments that my tick-over speed is quite high, so I will also be looking at that. I recently went back to the lock stoppages I mentioned, and seeing the locks (and part of the canal) empty of water was very interesting and informative, and it explained why kept running aground.
Thanks for the comment. Several people have now told me that the bit of the Oxford I did is tough going and a challenge. And I certainly found that to be true.
Maybe like you say go slower into the corners. You shouldn't have to put it into neutral though as you’ll have no steering if you do that. Keep up the good work. It's all good experience 😊
Glad u made it to Cropedy, well done, its all a learning "curve" as they say..if u pardon the pun 😂. When u got handed a cup of drink..I thought hang on, supposed to be Solo..then realised it must have been the Lock Buddy..never realised you could Hire the services of one of those ! So what's next..or is that it till next year ? Also front facing camera would be good..which think your working on 👍
I was supposed to be solo, and I was for one day of the four. A 'camera shy lock helper' managed to get a few days off work to help me. Next, I am learning about the boat, making some changes to her, and testing out plan C for getting the camera to work on the front of the boat. I hope to go out again before Christmas to try all the cornering suggestions.
Don’t know it was lost in the edit, but if you’re going down a lock that someone else is working for you, as you enter it, step off the boat and close the paddle for them. If you have the boat in tickover reverse, it should settle nicely in the lock and not smack into the bottom gate. I also tend to close the top gate for them so they can walk to the bottom gate and start working the paddle to let the water out for you whilst you get back on the boat
OK, thanks, that is good to know. I need to learn canal etiquette. I was amazed at how helpful people were at the locks, and I have been stunned by all the great advice I have received on here.
When navigating any narrow stretch, regardless of how long it is, don't try to force your way through as you will only create a void beneath the boat causing the stern to dip increasing the chances of grounding.
More power on the exit to corners. You need more power when cornering than you do in a straight line. reversing can be tricky as you have very limited stearing in reverse as you have found out.
@@Nicks-Wanderings @10:00 you can see how much power the guy that passed going the other direction used to turn inside the boat behind you. Can't wait to get back on a boat this coming summer!
Thanks for the comment. It's all in the editing. You wouldn't believe the number of outtakes. I was a university lecturer for 25 years. During that time, 100s (if not 1,000s) of hours of recordings were captured of my voice and lecture slides; I also made short whiteboard explainer videos for my students. However, when COVID came along, I had to step in front of the camera to record my lectures as I wanted the students to see me. I got used to it and found I enjoyed the process of filming and editing.
@ I did wonder if you were a teacher or something similar, my wife teaches English and maths to carers in care homes and the nhs, she enjoys the class room teaching, when she is doing a class at home via interweb it’s like she flips a switch once it becomes live.
I rather suspect you have a large dia prop and small rudder blade which could account for the vague tiller responce, just continue to experiment would be my advice.
OK, thanks. I have seen the prop (I looked at the boat when it was out of the water for its survey), and the prop did seem big. (My total knowledge of propellers is based on when I used to drive small motorboats with outboards as a kid.)
@@Nicks-Wanderings I was going to say the same thing - the boat seems to build up a lot of momentum at relatively low revs. Another comment is that you seem to have to do a lot of stretching forward to operate the throttle and gears. It may be a case of getting used to it or you might want to try to modify the tiller so you can reach the controls more easily?
@@malverncarvell4153 Thanks. I am going to have a look at the throttle settings and see if I can reduce the tick-over. It has been suggested I have a big prop! On that, I have no idea, but will include a shot of it in the next video. The stretching is my fault as I think I am over steering. If I stay put in the hatch (where I should be), the throttle and gears are in reach, it is when I step back and push the tiller too far, that I have to stretch.
@@Nicks-Wanderings When you get the chance possibly call into a reliable boatyard and explain the vague tiller responce situation and see what they suggest, but ot does seem like the prop is overriding the rudder commands which suggests prop is to large or prop blade pitch is to great, or rudder blade is to small for size of prop, we do own a Narrowboat Nb Emily 57' trad so we know enough to be dangerous 😀, take care.
@@urbanfox53 OK, thanks. Several people have commented on the prop size. In a video I'm currently working on, you will see the prop, and I would welcome your views. The video will be out sometime this week.
It used to be a tunnel but the roof was taken off, hence the towpath went over the top of the hill and isn’t next to the canal. It appears your boat has a deep draft as I travelled along there in May and had no problems Don’t put the engine in neutral if you want to still have steering as you need the wash of water going over the rudder to be able to steer
Thanks for the info on the tunnel - why did they do that? I am thinking about making a video of the 'tunnel' as I find it very interesting. Was tunnel roof removal common? So many questions for me to answer!
Hi Nick, just found your channel, interesting watching the journey from Welton to Cropredy marina as a single hander. I have one question? Have you done a Helmsmans course? The Oxford Canal is narrow as are the bridges. You are doing ok as a single hander, kind regards Alison
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I have taken the helmsman course, and I may not be a good advert for it. In fact, I have done two: one in the 1970s for craft up to 27 feet and a narrowboat course on a 45-foot boat a couple of years ago. I would have struggled even more if I hadn't taken the recent course. However, there is a big difference between being out there with an instructor and being on your own.
OK, thanks. I am intrigued by this 'tunnel' and when I get time, I will research and make a video. It does seem odd that they did that. There must have been a reason.
Thanks. I will try that. I really need to work on my steering. I was out practising yesterday and discovered that I am oversteering if I take both feet off what I'm calling the steering board.
Really enjoyed watching your trip. One thought though, if you’re going to be doing this kind of video again how about fixing up a forward facing camera? You’re a good looking feller and all, but it would be nice to see where we’re going occasionally! Have fun on your lovely boat.
Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera on the front, but I couldn't operate it from the stern. I fired it up for the Braunston Tunnel and left it to run (the battery lasts just over an hour). I devised a plan to operate it from the stern, but that didn't work. I am now on plan B-a very cunning plan. If plan B works, there will be footage from the front.
Good stuff! One small plea - please, please, no music! We seasoned narrowboaters (ahem) prefer the sounds of nature, the birds, wind and rain, the chug of the diesel, and water rushing past the hull. And your commentary, of course.
Music is an interesting point. I’ve noticed some boaters do on their channels and some don’t. I did put music on some of the videos but took it off as I didn’t like it.
please add a video to the front of you boat so we can see where you are going and what your talking about also my a drone so we can see yuor boat from above will be much more interesting
Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera on the front for the Braunston tunnel. I planned to capture more footage from the front, but the plan failed. I now have a new plan for operating a front camera, so fingers crossed it works (I think this will be plan C and I have a plan D if plan C fails).
we have a reflex stove on our boat which is now 2yeaars old we had her built back in 2021 during the covid outbreak which delayed the work no end there fore she was not deliverd to us untill october 12th 2022 she was shipped over from the Czech Repulic but was built by Elton Moss Boats at middlewich they have a partner factory over there or something that way they take the work that they cannot do due to so many boat orders there is a hell of a lot to take in with these boats but I can tell you I find that my boat does not like doing tight turns at speed she handles a lot better at lower speeds tick over is a good setting I bet you have a few battle scareson your boat after your little trip scratches to the blacking that you just had done its hard to get used to seeing your pride and joy getting scratched but its a bit of a contact sport in boating life you need to get used to it things will happen have fun out there anything you may need to know just drop a line . Steve & Sandra onboard Lady Bella.
Oh, Elton Moss - very nice boats, congrats. You will get to see the scars in a later video. There were a few, and then Storm Bert added a couple of problems.
A forward-facing camera is in the works. The first attempt resulted in nothing interesting (apart from the tunnel) and a flat battery. The problem was I couldn't control the camera from the stern. Attempt two proved that Bluetooth doesn't work over the distance. Attempt three is in the works. So, future videos (if I can get the camera to work) will have shots from the front.
Camera should be on the front. You are continuously informing on all the things which you are seeing on your journey, but the viewers dont see any of it. Didn't even see the mooring that you eventually moored in.
Thanks for the comment. I have just come up with a rig that should allow me to film from the front and control the camera from the back of the boat. This will be my third attempt at getting something to work, so fingers crossed.
Yes. I am working on that. Unfortunately, I was unable to control the front camera from the stern. I have just tried plan D to solve the problem, with no success. The distance of 50 ft and the steel of the narrowboat get in the way.
Very interesting. It would be nice to see forward.
I am working on a forward facing camera. I did have one for this trip but the battery gave out.
Can you not just turn your camera to face forward from where it is at the stern?
@@landbk5015 The camera is on the hatch. I did try facing it forward, and all I got was 50 ft of the roof and a small view of the canal way off in the distance! I have a plan for a forward-facing camera....
@@Nicks-Wanderings You can put a camera on your head like how you can wear a head torch. I only go forwards 'cause I can't find reverse...lol
@@dunki-dunki-dawg I will give that a go. But, having said that, I think I may have solved how to control the forward-facing camera on the bow.
I find it interesting that y'all drive cars on the left and boats on the right. It was a nice little journey, well done for your first one!
Thanks. Yes, it is odd. Supposedly, our liking of driving on the left dates back thousands of years to before the Romans. Driving (well, riding your horse) on the left meant your sword arm was free to deal with anyone riding down the road to attack or rob you. As for boats being on the right, I don’t know.
@@stewkingjr canal boats do not 'drive' on the right hand side. You should always navigate in the deepest part of the canal which is usually in the centre. The passing rule is that you pass port to port.
Boats on the right is international.
@@GWorxOz Yep....
No gear, no steer 😊. A little bit more water over the rudder will give you a better response. Your journey so far has been a pleasure to watch, and you are doing brilliantly 👏 😀
Thanks for the tip and the comment. It is a learning curve.
It would be really nice to see where you are going. Well done. Quite a challenge and you’re doing great.
Thanks. Yes, I think I have a solution for that problem - hopefully.
These moments will last a life time we are new as well the anxiety and joy mixed is all part of it
You are right - joy and anxiety. Hopefully more joy than anxiety!
Enjoying your content, Nick. Although I'm a seasoned follower of narrowboat channels it's nice to see a relative novice starting out again. I like that you have given a bit more in depth background to the places you pass through. The travel and history side of it is as interesting as boaty stuff, but doesn't always get featured that much. Also, your graphics and production quality are very slick. 👍
Thanks for the comment. I find the history of the canals fascinating, so I will comment quite a bit on it. There will also be some science creeping in.... plus, a bit of nature.
Watch a few also...What channels do you watch?
@@cgku Narrowboat Pirate, Boat Time, Ben and Emily, Country House Gent (until went all motorbike), Foxes Afloat (until went all crofty), Floating Our Boat - these are the ones that come to mind. There are others I follow.
Hi Nick - I think you’re doing really well! At least you’re working things out logically rather than just being heavy handed - you’ve got a beautiful boat that’s not shallow draughted and I suspect, a large propeller on a high torque engine. You may need to adopt a “slow down - then power out” approach to the bends. The boat will respond well to a bit of power to bring it round - practice will make perfect! You also might want to try ‘paddling’ the rudder (waggle it back and forth a bit) - a rudder at full lock has the effect of blanking the thrust from the prop. She’s a lovely boat, and was very nicely prepared for sale - I was impressed by what I saw when you first took us on board! I’ve seen so many boats where owners haven’t even cleaned them, let alone prepared them like yours was! Good luck and Enjoy!
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I agree, she was very well presented for sale. A very tidy boat that had clearly been well looked after. Thanks for the advice on cornering. I think the draft is 2 ft 6 in, and I am not sure if the prop is big or not. I do have a shot of the prop when the boat was out of the water for its survey, and I will share that bit of video the next time I post here.
Was the Tunnel you talked about meaning a Tunnel of Trees? It looks as if when in summer it would be quite dark coming thru that area just from the trees. @10:09 that chap likely showed you the way to make turns. Enjoyable videos. Look forward to more when the weather is nicer. Cheers.
Hi, no, apparently (information from other comments), there was a real tunnel there, and they took the roof off. Why? I don't know. I didn't know such things happened.
Very well done , hats off to you 👏👏
Thanks...
If i may you are doing the usual new boater thing and moving over to much, the oik in the blue boat that passed you had loads of space on his side where the water is deeper, just dont move over so much on the shallow side, let them move! 👍 i have found the key to tight corners is knowing your pivot point, that is midway on your boat, you will learn to slow down go straight and then hard over with some power as your pivot point approaches where you want to turn 👍
Thanks for the comment. Looking back at the videos, I can see what you mean. On the plus side, I did get a real workout on the stern. Thanks for the pivot point comment. I have a lot of work to do on my steering.
In times of low water I have experienced the boat to go slower with increased throttle and faster at tick-over. This was because with higher revs, the prop lowered the depth of water under the boat to the point where it began to go aground.
OK, thanks. I have noticed at higher revs in shallow water the back seems to drop down more. That could be part of the problem.
I think a burst of power with the helm hard over should improve the turning rate.
OK. Thanks. I’m getting a lot of really useful suggestions, for which I thank everyone. I will add this to the list of things to try. Thanks again.
Momentum will not really help you need fast moving water passing over the rudder to get boat to turn
@@phil4455 Thanks. I will give it a try. A common theme seems to be 'more power!'.
I’ve been watching RUclips videos on narrow boats and those who are liveaboards. I’ve followed several and really enjoyed them and their videos.
Yes, there are some great videos out there. And I hope you have followed me... 😉
Thanks for sharing your journey with us and like you say the sound of that Gardner engine is wonderful. Perhaps you could do a video of the engine and its workings.
It’s in the works! Thanks for the comment.
Really great vlogs, thoroughly enjoying your commentary … akin to an F1 broadcaster but on a 4mph track 😁
As a boat hirer, soon to be boat owner, I’m 100% feeling the pain of corners etc! It’s all new but I’m sure it’ll drop into place for you! Claire.
I like that comment! From where I was standing it felt a lot faster than 4 mph, particularly when I hit that bridge!
Just binged watched your voyage,, Loved it. Thought you looked a lot healthier since the beginning, and as for your troubles turning corners, it's not your fault, there's something wrong with your rudder.
Thanks for the comment. I was very stressed the first few days, and the Oxford Canal didn't help. Once I got through the sites of the planned closures, I felt the tension ease.
Remember if you get the boat stuck on the bottom in the shallows reverse off. Putting the prop in reverse puts more water under the boat helping it to float off the bottom. Trying to power forward will only make things worse.
OK, thanks. It is surprising how 'sucky' the mud is on the boat. It seems to create a real vacuum under it, making it difficult to break free.
Just stumbled on your channel. Love it. I am Dutch and I sail a deep finkeel and deep spaderudder sailboat myself. However, some time ago, I was asked to skipper a "Zomp", classic transport boat. 20 meters long and 3 meters wide. Only propulsion by propeller at the stern. As the boat had a clockwise turning prop in forward the stern( I think your boat is similar) wanted to turn to the right. It is called "propwalk". The lower blade gets more grip than the upper and thus the stern is forced to the right. Hope this makes sense. So, a turn to the left is not much of a problem. However, turning right is the thing. With the engine in gear the stern will want to go right which to do not want. My trick: Approaching bend to the right you speed up enough to get her through and just before you need to steer, put the engine in neutral and you can easily steer her around the bend.
I have seen Dutch Barges on the Thames, and a big old wooden one used to be moored near where I lived. It had a massive keel raised on the side. Beautiful boat. Interesting about the 'propwalk', a boater I was talking to mentioned that. I assumed my boat just pulled in one direction (I had a car that did that).
@@Nicks-Wanderings OK. This barge has socalled leeboards. Used on boat with a flat bottom making them suitable for shallow waters. And haha......a car can be repaired when the steering is off. No such thing for a boat, learn to live with it. I hope the info you received will make it easier for you to cut corners or taking her around the bend in the future.
@@gertboerman3666 Yep, I have received some great advice here, which I will have a lot of fun putting into practice.
@@Nicks-Wanderings I subscribed to your channel. Plans for the winter?
@@gertboerman3666 Thanks for subscribing. At the moment, my winter plans are to do some work on the boat and do a few short cruises from the marina.
Never forget No Gear No steer
Thanks for the comment. I was trying to reduce forward movement and hope the swing's momentum would take me around. It didn't!
Looks like learning to drive in central London which makes driving anywhere else an absolute pleasure by comparison! Kudos to you though because 57’ of boat is a challenge. Looking forward to seeing some more adventures.
Thanks. I am also looking forward to more adventures on the boat.
to steer you need water passing the rudder, power up !!
Thanks..... I will give that a go.
Great vlogs! I have liked and subscribed. It would be great if you could have a camera at the front of the boat too. That way you could drop in some footage while you’re explaining your maneuvering.😊
Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera on the front for the Braunston tunnel. I planned to capture more footage from the front, but the plan failed - short-lived battery. I now have a new plan for operating a front camera, so fingers crossed it works. (I think this will be plan C and I have a plan D if plan C fails. Plan B failed as the camera is too far away for Bluetooth.) So, yes, there will be more footage from the front.
It will come as you travel just be happy Xx
Thanks.... I will get there....
From Idle Advance the throttle while the rudder is already turned. This will give you a spurt of sideward motion.
Thanks. I will give that a try.
Thanks. I will give that a try.
Well done Nick. Looking forward to more videos.
Thanks, will do! I enjoyed the boating and making the videos. I like a challenge.
Thanks.
Claydon locks can be a real pain in any decent wind, the open fields allow the wind to blow down towards the canal btw! At Cropredy you dont want to be to near the works site as its noisy, they prob arent doing much atm but come spring and summer they can have the scabbler going all day
Thanks for the comment. I was taken with the views from the locks, and hadn't thought about the wind. Good tip on the 'works'. I'm moored about 100 yds from them!
Power! Go sit on a bench at a marina or boat hire base, and watch the guys blasting them around doing nice tight maneuvers. I hopped aboard the first boat we hired, and the guy made it look really easy by being pretty aggressive at times. Also learned to reverse distances pretty good with some reverse, and the occasional forward blast to manage the steering.
Thanks for the comment. When I visited the marina for the handover, I watched a couple of 'pros' moving the boats and was amazed at the power they were using. At the moment, I don't feel confident enough to put that much power on.
It would be good if you could periodically turn the camera for a forward shot.
You could follow one of the boats that passes you and look at what line they take round the corners and how they blip the throttle in conjunction with the rudder. Also, as many of them look to be double manned, if you ask, one of them might have an experienced crew/helm who would jump aboard for half an hour. You will be moored up for winter, and it might also be an opportunity to get a 'driving lesson ' from somebody in the mooring. Good luck
Thanks for the comment. I now have a solution for controlling the front camera from the stern and will be testing it out in future videos. Getting a control system working was surprisingly difficult. I have tried following the same line as others around corners and ran aground! And believe it or not, I have had lessons on how to steer a boat. I think the issues are I haven’t had enough practice and the Oxford is a challenge. Anyway, thanks taking the time to comment.
@Nicks-Wanderings awesome, you're great anyways, and we're really enjoying the content...enjoy
@@mikeandcheryl Thanks
That part of the Oxford was always a nightmare. We used to moor in Fenny
Thanks for the comment and I’m pleased to hear it’s not only me that thinks it’s a nightmare.
We were on the Oxford canal last year. Had the same problems on steering round the corners. You would turn the tiller and the boat would want to go straight ahead. Never had this problem in the past on any other canal. I put it down to the canal depth??
Thanks for the comment. I agree; I think part of the problem was the canal depth. However, the biggest problem on my boat was the clown at the end of the tiller.
Thanks for this series Nick. You dont say anything about life onboard since your intro so either you are not staying or are not going to discuss living. As its getting colder, hope everything heat related is working for you.. Look forward to future adventures..
At the moment, I am not living on board; however, I do plan to. I was originally going to buy a boat in a couple of years, but this one came along, and it felt right for me, so I jumped on it. The first videos were about moving the boat and in the 20+ hours I was on the boat, I spent less than an hour inside. It was all about the moving.
Don't worry have a beer, i bet you needed a strong drink after each of the last few days, once in your home marina its to the pub time 🍺🍷🍺🍾 well done your home.
True, very true. It was a shame the first cruise had to be so rushed.
Brilliant 👏
Thanks
Hi Nick, take note of boaters advising a bit more throttle, they are correct, more water passing the rudder will improve steering response. Good luck, be lucky.
Thanks. From all the excellent advice I have been given, I am going to slow down on the approach, and apply more power on the corner, steer a 50 p line, and not go beyond 45 degrees on the rudder. I was not really following any of those when I first came down the Oxford Canal.
@Nicks-Wanderings You are doing ok Nick 👍, and on straight wide wide cuts by all means go at your own pace but where it gets narrow and bendy a bit more umph will give you more control. Be lucky.
When passing an approaching boat, don't be tempted to slow down if you think you may collide. Collisions are rare as each boat is preceded by its own pressure wave which acts as a buffer.
Wow, thanks, that is a good point. I have experienced pressure waves when in the tunnel, and they are powerful. I could really feel them push the boat around.
More power. Give it the beans everywhere, people will move...
Thanks for the suggestion. I was out yesterday and gave it some 'beans', and it makes a difference. The video of me struggling to fuel the boat in a stiff breeze will be out soon.
You found going slower around the bends a bit easier so that seems to answer your question. As for the best line to take, well I have no idea , but perhaps following an experienced boatman would give you some pointers. It probably all comes down to practice and experience.
Thanks for the comment. I followed what I thought was an experienced boater around one corner, and they ran aground.
I remember having a similar problem going around bends when I first started boating. The thing to remember is that the boat turns round somewhere near its centre. It's not like a car which steers from the front. You have to remember that the stern will swing out in the opposite way to where the front is going. The trick is to keep to the centre of the canal whenever possible and only dodge to the right if someone is coming towards you. Slow down before you reach a corner or bridge hole, if necessary being quite aggressive with the throttle in reverse (it's your only brake!). Once you need to turn, put some forward power on to give water over the rudder which will give you a faster turning rate. Because it takes some time for forward speed to build up (inertia) you will probably be at a reasonable speed when you straighten up out of the bend. And remember the rudder doesn't do anything beyond 45 degrees deflection - that will be the best turning rate. It only goes right over to help protect it when you inadvertently back into the bank, or to get the tiller out of the way when you are moored.
Thanks for the advice. A couple of commenters mentioned the 45-degree thing with the rudder, and that may be the issue. I have also had some comments that my tick-over speed is quite high, so I will also be looking at that. I recently went back to the lock stoppages I mentioned, and seeing the locks (and part of the canal) empty of water was very interesting and informative, and it explained why kept running aground.
I find that going slower around the corners works better as the boat seems to glide better, but the Oxford can be a nightmare!!
Thanks for the comment. Several people have now told me that the bit of the Oxford I did is tough going and a challenge. And I certainly found that to be true.
That is more like a waterfilled ditch than a canal but your boat in lovely.
Ah! You wait until you see the video I am working on. There is a short clip that may confirm your suspicions!
It was a tunnel, but they took the top off, so now it's a cutting.
Thanks. But why? I need to read up on this. It’s odd how the name has stuck.
A trilogy in 4 parts...
I wondered if someone would spot my reference to one of my favourite authors.
Maybe like you say go slower into the corners. You shouldn't have to put it into neutral though as you’ll have no steering if you do that. Keep up the good work. It's all good experience 😊
Thanks for the tip. Yes, I experienced the lack of steering but discovered the joy of momentum! I will conquer those corners.
Glad u made it to Cropedy, well done, its all a learning "curve" as they say..if u pardon the pun 😂. When u got handed a cup of drink..I thought hang on, supposed to be Solo..then realised it must have been the Lock Buddy..never realised you could Hire the services of one of those ! So what's next..or is that it till next year ? Also front facing camera would be good..which think your working on 👍
I was supposed to be solo, and I was for one day of the four. A 'camera shy lock helper' managed to get a few days off work to help me. Next, I am learning about the boat, making some changes to her, and testing out plan C for getting the camera to work on the front of the boat. I hope to go out again before Christmas to try all the cornering suggestions.
Don’t know it was lost in the edit, but if you’re going down a lock that someone else is working for you, as you enter it, step off the boat and close the paddle for them. If you have the boat in tickover reverse, it should settle nicely in the lock and not smack into the bottom gate. I also tend to close the top gate for them so they can walk to the bottom gate and start working the paddle to let the water out for you whilst you get back on the boat
OK, thanks, that is good to know. I need to learn canal etiquette. I was amazed at how helpful people were at the locks, and I have been stunned by all the great advice I have received on here.
When navigating any narrow stretch, regardless of how long it is, don't try to force your way through as you will only create a void beneath the boat causing the stern to dip increasing the chances of grounding.
Thanks again. That explains the 'digging in' I talked about in the video. I could feel that happening.
The narrow canal tend to create a suction which make it more difficult than the wider canal.
Thanks for the comment. I had noticed a bit of that going on. It was very noticeable in the Fenny Compton Tunnel.
More power on the exit to corners. You need more power when cornering than you do in a straight line. reversing can be tricky as you have very limited stearing in reverse as you have found out.
OK, thanks. I will try the more power approach. I did see a couple of boats doing that.
@@Nicks-Wanderings @10:00 you can see how much power the guy that passed going the other direction used to turn inside the boat behind you. Can't wait to get back on a boat this coming summer!
@@broxy55 Yes, I noticed that when I was editing. It did seem to be a crazy amount.
What did or do you do for a career? You seem very comfortable talking front of camera and have a talent of explaining.
Thanks for the comment. It's all in the editing. You wouldn't believe the number of outtakes. I was a university lecturer for 25 years. During that time, 100s (if not 1,000s) of hours of recordings were captured of my voice and lecture slides; I also made short whiteboard explainer videos for my students. However, when COVID came along, I had to step in front of the camera to record my lectures as I wanted the students to see me. I got used to it and found I enjoyed the process of filming and editing.
@ I did wonder if you were a teacher or something similar, my wife teaches English and maths to carers in care homes and the nhs, she enjoys the class room teaching, when she is doing a class at home via interweb it’s like she flips a switch once it becomes live.
I rather suspect you have a large dia prop and small rudder blade which could account for the vague tiller responce, just continue to experiment would be my advice.
OK, thanks. I have seen the prop (I looked at the boat when it was out of the water for its survey), and the prop did seem big. (My total knowledge of propellers is based on when I used to drive small motorboats with outboards as a kid.)
@@Nicks-Wanderings I was going to say the same thing - the boat seems to build up a lot of momentum at relatively low revs. Another comment is that you seem to have to do a lot of stretching forward to operate the throttle and gears. It may be a case of getting used to it or you might want to try to modify the tiller so you can reach the controls more easily?
@@malverncarvell4153 Thanks. I am going to have a look at the throttle settings and see if I can reduce the tick-over. It has been suggested I have a big prop! On that, I have no idea, but will include a shot of it in the next video. The stretching is my fault as I think I am over steering. If I stay put in the hatch (where I should be), the throttle and gears are in reach, it is when I step back and push the tiller too far, that I have to stretch.
@@Nicks-Wanderings When you get the chance possibly call into a reliable boatyard and explain the vague tiller responce situation and see what they suggest, but ot does seem like the prop is overriding the rudder commands which suggests prop is to large or prop blade pitch is to great, or rudder blade is to small for size of prop, we do own a Narrowboat Nb Emily 57' trad so we know enough to be dangerous 😀, take care.
@@urbanfox53 OK, thanks. Several people have commented on the prop size. In a video I'm currently working on, you will see the prop, and I would welcome your views. The video will be out sometime this week.
Always navigate in the centre. It is invariably the deepest point.
Thanks....
It used to be a tunnel but the roof was taken off, hence the towpath went over the top of the hill and isn’t next to the canal. It appears your boat has a deep draft as I travelled along there in May and had no problems
Don’t put the engine in neutral if you want to still have steering as you need the wash of water going over the rudder to be able to steer
Thanks for the info on the tunnel - why did they do that? I am thinking about making a video of the 'tunnel' as I find it very interesting. Was tunnel roof removal common? So many questions for me to answer!
@ There are a few “tunnels” without a roof. Saves having to maintain them especially if there is subsidence I guess
The simplest of answers. It was once a tunnel!
So I gather, and that intrigues me even more. Why is it no longer a tunnel and when did it stop being a tunnel.....
Hi Nick, just found your channel, interesting watching the journey from Welton to Cropredy marina as a single hander. I have one question? Have you done a Helmsmans course? The Oxford Canal is narrow as are the bridges. You are doing ok as a single hander, kind regards Alison
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I have taken the helmsman course, and I may not be a good advert for it. In fact, I have done two: one in the 1970s for craft up to 27 feet and a narrowboat course on a 45-foot boat a couple of years ago. I would have struggled even more if I hadn't taken the recent course. However, there is a big difference between being out there with an instructor and being on your own.
@Nicks-Wanderings the best way to do anything is slowly never rush because that is when accidents happen. Happy cruising
Fenny Compton tunnel was built as a tunnel ,opened out in the 19th century
OK, thanks. I am intrigued by this 'tunnel' and when I get time, I will research and make a video. It does seem odd that they did that. There must have been a reason.
Slow down approaching the corner then give it bit a power. Also less rudder, your prop wash is hitting a wall of rudder not an angle of rudder.
Thanks. I will try that. I really need to work on my steering. I was out practising yesterday and discovered that I am oversteering if I take both feet off what I'm calling the steering board.
Really enjoyed watching your trip. One thought though, if you’re going to be doing this kind of video again how about fixing up a forward facing camera? You’re a good looking feller and all, but it would be nice to see where we’re going occasionally! Have fun on your lovely boat.
Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera on the front, but I couldn't operate it from the stern. I fired it up for the Braunston Tunnel and left it to run (the battery lasts just over an hour). I devised a plan to operate it from the stern, but that didn't work. I am now on plan B-a very cunning plan. If plan B works, there will be footage from the front.
As with any boat, the slower you go, the less control you have.
Yes, I am learning that. More POWER! I tried that yesterday, and it made a big difference.
Nice videos but would be nice to see life when your moored up at night be nice to see how your spending your time at night on your boat
Thanks. On the trip to move the boat, evenings were spent moving cars around… nothing of which was worth recording.
Good stuff!
One small plea - please, please, no music! We seasoned narrowboaters (ahem) prefer the sounds of nature, the birds, wind and rain, the chug of the diesel, and water rushing past the hull.
And your commentary, of course.
Music is an interesting point. I’ve noticed some boaters do on their channels and some don’t. I did put music on some of the videos but took it off as I didn’t like it.
please add a video to the front of you boat so we can see where you are going and what your talking about also my a drone so we can see yuor boat from above will be much more interesting
Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera on the front for the Braunston tunnel. I planned to capture more footage from the front, but the plan failed. I now have a new plan for operating a front camera, so fingers crossed it works (I think this will be plan C and I have a plan D if plan C fails).
we have a reflex stove on our boat which is now 2yeaars old we had her built back in 2021 during the covid outbreak which delayed the work no end there fore she was not deliverd to us untill october 12th 2022 she was shipped over from the Czech Repulic but was built by Elton Moss Boats at middlewich they have a partner factory over there or something that way they take the work that they cannot do due to so many boat orders there is a hell of a lot to take in with these boats but I can tell you I find that my boat does not like doing tight turns at speed she handles a lot better at lower speeds tick over is a good setting I bet you have a few battle scareson your boat after your little trip scratches to the blacking that you just had done its hard to get used to seeing your pride and joy getting scratched but its a bit of a contact sport in boating life you need to get used to it things will happen have fun out there anything you may need to know just drop a line . Steve & Sandra onboard Lady Bella.
Oh, Elton Moss - very nice boats, congrats. You will get to see the scars in a later video. There were a few, and then Storm Bert added a couple of problems.
It will be more responsive with more speed.
Thanks.... I will give that go.
That ruined boat made me very sad. That was someone's dream.
Same here. And I had the same thoughts.
Might be best to hook up to the electric and stay there
I have the electricity hooked up and taking the time to get to know the boat.
It was going to be a tunnel but due to a collapse they left it as a cutting.
OK, thanks.
Put a camera facing forward hard to help if we can’t see where your going we don’t need to see where your been 👍
A forward-facing camera is in the works. The first attempt resulted in nothing interesting (apart from the tunnel) and a flat battery. The problem was I couldn't control the camera from the stern. Attempt two proved that Bluetooth doesn't work over the distance. Attempt three is in the works. So, future videos (if I can get the camera to work) will have shots from the front.
Are you aware that a canal is U shaped so deeper in centre and more shallow at edges
Thanks for the comment. If you watch the next video I release, you will see that they are not always U shaped...
Camera should be on the front. You are continuously informing on all the things which you are seeing on your journey, but the viewers dont see any of it. Didn't even see the mooring that you eventually moored in.
Thanks for the comment. I have just come up with a rig that should allow me to film from the front and control the camera from the back of the boat. This will be my third attempt at getting something to work, so fingers crossed.
@Nicks-Wanderings that's great. I look forward to tuning in again.
can you show where you are going instead of just you talking to the camera
Yes. I am working on that. Unfortunately, I was unable to control the front camera from the stern. I have just tried plan D to solve the problem, with no success. The distance of 50 ft and the steel of the narrowboat get in the way.
Just chill out. Noproblems.
Thanks.... I will....